Would you say no?

I didn't want to be "that" mom. You know, the one who doesn't reign in their child when everyone else obviously doesn't want their child in the same predicament and is saying no... Well, it was me and I think I got an extra hug from Carl that night, because he really enjoyed himself and the mess he was making. For what it's worth, I did try to stop him, but once he made it into the puddle, there was no way I was going after him until he came to the edge and within grabbing distance. You might not know this about Carl, but he is fast!

I had extra clothes in the car sooo.... I was "that" mom. It was bound to happen to one of the many kids we were with, might as well have been mine!!

Your Minnesota Twins (Fans)!

 Can you find us!!

We had so much fun at the Twins home opener this year. Amidst waking up sleeping babies, getting everyone dressed in enough clothes to (hopefully) keep us warm, and one full-on three year-old melt down about... well, everything... it was a splendid afternoon!

We made it a little late so we missed the fly over, but the kids loved being there and taking in the sites and sounds of the stadium. Carl even got into the mood and would clap instantly if the crowd made noise. He was so into baseball game, I think he may play someday!

We nibbled on our own yummy kettle corn and other snacks till about the fifth inning when we decided we had better take a potty break and walk around a bit. Not that we were too cold, because we had also packed with us a blanket, but it was about time to let the kids walk and burn off some energy. The blanket was keeping us all warm and cozy - definitely a necessary wind breaker.

We walked around to the outfield and found an open drink rail that worked perfectly for setting the kids on to watch the game from. I think they enjoyed a new angle, plus all the new people to look at! We stayed through the 7th inning stretch then headed back to the car. It was perfect timing because we were all finally starting to feel the cold creeping through our layers. We partly undressed to get in the car so no one got overheated in the car, but then had a crazy mess of clothes to clean up once we got home.

So much fun! Would definitely do crazy outdoor stadium weather again!

Easter!

We had a fabulous Easter! It was definitely because we were celebrating the resurrection of our Lord, but also a little bit because of how good we looked as a family. I mean look at our spiffy outfits!! Carl looked sharp in his little tie, which he quickly figured out how to tear right off. Brianna was super cute in polka-dots. I was able to fit into my salmon color pants I haven't been able to fit in since before Brianna was born. And Jon looked handsome and classic in his red shirt and sport coat.

I think it was Uncle Hung who said something about our kids looking like they're in a band. Can you guess who plays bass, sings, and plays the drums...

When we got home from church, the kids found their Easter baskets. Since we already searched for eggs the day before at Auntie Mick's house, we opted to simply fill a few Easter eggs with yummy treats and keep them inside the basket. Had I filled them and hid them, I think there would have been a certain dog whose paws would have been all over them before we could even get any!

Gammie, Gampie, Auntie Mick, Uncle Hung, Casen, and Max all came over for a yummy lunch and then to hang out for a while that afternoon. It was laid back and restful.

Later that evening, I looked over and saw Carl enjoying one of his new shared gift from Gammie. There was an instant realization that I needed more "Boy" focused toys and this little tag pen book of Things That Go definitely helped open my eyes. Carl was all over it and so excited about their new book. He looks so cute, relaxed on his tummy "reading" his new book.

Easter! He is Risen!

Rag Curls and Egg Hunting

The Saturday before Easter we woke up and went over to Auntie Mick's house for a fun Easter Egg hunt and egg coloring! (my other sister Margaret documented it well on her blog!) She's done it a few years now and this year was just as fabulous as the rest, even though we had to be inside because of the lingering snow. We had fun searching for the many, many eggs that were hidden. Not sure how many she said, but every year I think the eggs multiply! Carl was more entertained by all the eggs and all the toys in the basement so he didn't stop to color eggs, but he let his sister take charge of his allotment of eggs.

While we were at Mick's place, I mentioned to my mom about maybe trying rag curls in Brianna's hair. I wasn't sure how it would go over or if she'd even keep them in, but my mom was game to come over and help me tie them in. It's a process for a little girl to have to sit through but it was worth the shot. I remember having rag curls put in my hair when I was younger and I thought it might be fun to have a cute hairdo for church in the morning.

She sat so patiently (watching the Easter Beagle) while we did her!  Hardly any complaining too! There were a few times where she said she was done and probably really wanted to be done, but I had her sit till we finished. She loved the idea of holding the squirt bottle, so that helped keep her occupied.

We got it all done and I'm not sure she knew what to think. And she really didn't know what to think when she woke up screaming at 10! She was still half sleeping and couldn't communicate what was going on. Finally, after holding her in my arms for a while and as she was falling back to sleep, all she could say was ouch. Both Jon and I started unwinding the rags from her hair. I don't blame her because I remember it being uncomfortable too, trying to sleep with bumps all around your head. She quickly was back to sleep and then quiet all night.

She did wake up with quite the hair though! Not curly but still wavy and a little crazy. We settled on crimping her hair to tone it down, which didn't look quite right either on her, but still cute! Next time we'll try it in the morning and see how it goes!

Mahalo

While we were in Hawaii, my sister had a book that Brianna loved to read, Too Many Mangos by Tammy Paikai, a story about sharing. It is such a cute book and Brianna still loves to read it! My sister sent us home with a copy so that we would remember one of our favorite stories while in Hawaii. I'm so glad she did! One of my favorites, not in this video though, is Brianna saying Mahalo, just awesome!

We miss you Danya, Kat, Laura and John! 

Mommy, Can I Paint?

We have rediscovered our art easel! It's awesome to have but sometimes I just don't know where to keep it - leave it out or put it away every time. I've started just keeping it out and I think Brianna loves that option. She asks me, usually earlier in the morning, "Mommy, can I paint today?" It's so hard to say no. I mean she looks so cute in her get-up! 

We do, however, only paint while Carl is still sleeping. He loves his big sister and wants to do everything she does. Unfortunately for him, he still can't quite keep everything out of his mouth and paint is one of those things I don't want to risk. Poor guy... soon though!

*By Jonah, she means from the bible story. Not sure why he needed a flower, but she was being very sweet!

Hallway and Bouncy Balls

While my mom was on spring break, we went over to to her house to hang out for a little bit. At some point, Brianna got curious and comes walking out of Gammie's office with a bag of bouncy balls. It was certainly the hit of the morning! We had a hard time tearing them away from Carl, he could have stood in the hallway for hours, if only the help didn't get bored of catching and throwing all the bouncy balls!

We also got in some reading. We love reading with Gammie!

Party Over Here!

Back in the end of March, my mom, Jackie, turned 60! My sisters and I held an extravaganza (or so I called it) at our house that... 60 people attended! It was a blast. Everyone was very appreciative that we hosted a party for our mom. I kept saying, "Well, why wouldn't I. She's awesome and has done so much for us, it's the least we can do for her." She has touched so many lives in her years at the public schools and years of serving with the church youth group. She wouldn't ask for anything, so I was glad to be able to give this to her! And I'm pretty sure she had fun too!


Mom - Here's your 60 years and one month blog blessing: You are amazing! You are dedicated. You listen and have taught me to be a good listener. You lift me up when I'm down. Offer advice when it's most needed. Open your house so that I know I can walk in any time of day and it's ok to just hang out, whether it's 5 minutes or all day. I am so grateful for your love of your grandkids and willingness to watch them, even take them with you on trips or simply put them to bed so I can run out. I love your giving spirit, it blesses many. Your understanding and flexibility is so much appreciated. Most of all, I'm blessed that you and Dad are believers and we share a faith and hope in Christ.

I hope your 60th year brings even more love, even more laughter, and many more great times as family! We love you!

* Here's some pictures my sister collected from the day!

Not Convincing Enough

He wanted something... but I thought it would be more humorous to take a video instead of giving in. I don't remember what it was he even wanted. He is who he is and decided to move on. Funny guy! 

Later that day, Eko decided to make himself comfortable - more than once!

Exercises

I've been doing my best to stay fit, and maybe even lose a few pounds, so we've been fairly regular visitors to our local gym. Brianna and Carl enjoy going to the children's area and playing on all of their fun equipment and running around in the gym especially for kids. Every week they have certain programs (music, games, etc.) they do with the kids that want to participate. I think Brianna's favorite is the kids exercises - pilates,  yoga, jumping jacks. I sometimes wish I could have that fun instruction!

One afternoon she decided we needed to exercise so she started showing me her moves. Obviously I'm not in the room when the teacher does it with the kids, but the way Brianna goes through it, you can definitely get a glimpse of the routine. I love her enthusiasm!

Oh! Nothing...

As the days progressed after coming home, and we slowly got back into our rhythm, I noticed the kids just loved being home and together. There were a lot of moments when I realized no sound was being made then to go find B and C starting trouble. Other times they were just relaxing and laying low. This was one of those times! Eko was glad to have us home too!

Not a very efficient way of building a train but it made him happy!

Later that same day, I found Brianna sitting and reading Carl one of his favorite books. They sat there forever. Even though at times Carl couldn't see the pages, he still sat quietly and listened as his sister told the happenings of each page. What beautiful and fun moments they share. I pray they stay this close and connected for as long as possible.

Loving on Cousins

Brianna simply loves her baby cousins! It was so special we were able to be with Baby Kat in her first few weeks, and she certainly loves holding Baby Max now. She loves holding babies so much she still asks Carl if he wants to sit in her lap. His response - No! 

She's so gentle and loving. Pretty sure she'll love to babysit!

And of course, fun with Uncle Hung!

Sharing Stories

After we returned home, we were still one family member short... Eko was still with Grandma and Grandpa! They offered to bring him home and bring dinner too. What a blessing! We ate dinner together and then shared our pictures from our trip. Brianna and Carl loved watching back all the pictures and pointing themselves out. 

Before bed, B and C got baths and then read stories. You can see Carl still had a little extra energy and wasn't quite ready for bed or reading books. Maybe it was the mohawk?

Little Quotes

Things heard here and there:

I overheard Brianna say to Carl this afternoon...

"Carl, Let's be friends forever!"
                      ~ Brianna B.

A Note about Carl and his Travels

Upon arriving home, Carl immediately changed - he became his usual happy self. I noticed this a little on our trip to Hawaii, but didn't put things together until Jon said something during our CA trip and then again once we got home. Carl must really love being at home. Although he is fairly easy going and loves adventures, he just never seemed himself in California, and for that matter Hawaii. Even at Dave and Betsy's house, he seemed more irritable and cranky than he normally is. At one point I think I even said how I wished he would settle down so Dave and Betsy could see how happy of a little boy he really is.

He likes to see what he can see and go where he can go, but when it comes to being and sleeping someplace else, that's just not his style. As Aunt Shelley would say, "I need to know where I'm going to lay my head!" And in Carl's case, that better be home! Can you blame him?

Happy traveling Carl!